Side frame and journal box



y 1940- D. s. BARROWS SIDE FRAME AND JOURNAL BOX Filed March 9, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 20276: /d 6. Ear/*0 c015 July 30, 1940. D. s. BARROWS SIDE FRAME AND JOURNAL BOX 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 9, 1956 July 30, 19 D. s. BARROWS SIDE FRAME AND JOURNAL BOX Filed March 9,. 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented July 30, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE- SIDE FRAME AND JOURNAL BOX Donald S. Barrows, Rochester, N. Y., assignor to The Symington-Gould Corporation, Rochester, N. Y., a corporation of Maryland Application March 9, 1936, Serial No.'67,978

13 Claims.

face on the dustguard well thereof, said surface for that purpose being preferably formed by machining before the rear dustguard well portion is applied thereto.

Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular arrangement and construction of the various parts will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawings illustrating my invention, the scope whereof is defined by the appended claims:

Figure 1 is a partial front elevation and partial sectional view of a cast steel journal box constructed in accordance with my invention.

Figure 2 is a corresponding sectional view of said box secured to the compression and tension members of an associated pressed steel side frame by welding.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view on the line 33 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 4 is a partial side elevational and partial mid-sectional view, corresponding to Figure 3, but showing the journal box detached from the frame.

Figure 5 is a partial plan and partial horizontal sectional view on the line 55 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 6 is a partial front elevation and partial sectional view corresponding generally to Figure 2, but showing a modification.

Figure '7 is a transverse sectional view on the line 1-1 of Figure 6, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 8 is a mid-sectional view of the box connected to the frame as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan of the box shown in Figures fi and 8.

Referring to the drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters, and first considering the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, there is shown one embodiment of my invention comprising a cast steel journal box I secured to, the compression member 2 and tension member 3 of an associated pressed steel side frame 4 by means of welding. Although only the journal-box-adjacent portions of the compression and tension members of said frame are illustrated, it will be understood that said frame, as usual, comprises bolster guide column portions which space normally horizontal parts of said compression and tension members, leaving a window or bolster opening therebetween, the portions of the compression and tension members on either side of said columns converging toward one another and flare laterally and upwardly from the inner or side-frame-adjacent wall 8 of the box I. The ribs 5 are desirably, but not necessarily, continued beyond the outer side wall 9 and corresponding edge of the journal box roof 6, as indicated at I0, said extending portions being reinforced and braced with respect to the wall 9 by means of triangular brackets or gussets ll extending therebeneath.

In order to securely connect the compression member 2 of the frame 4 with the ribs 5 and webs 1, these ribs and webs have the outer surfaces of their upper edge portions spaced to correspond with the spacing between the inner surfaces of the flanges l2 which depend from the web 13 of the compression member 2. The depending flanges l2 may initially have their lower edge portions spaced at such a distance, so that when they are fitted over the ribs 5 and upper edge portions of the webs or flanges 1, they tightly grip the portions thereof disposed therebetween.

In order to provide the desired welding space between the lower portions of the flanges l2 and the upper portions of the ribs 5 and, webs 7, said rib portions, which extend beyond the roof 6 of the journal box I, are desirably angular in section, as shown most clearly in Figure 4, so that the lower portions of the flanges l2 are not only welded to the roof 6 of the box, but also to the lower portions of the angular extensions In, in a manner similar to that illustrated in Figure 3, where a corresponding connection is provided between the upper edge portions of the webs 1 and the lower edge portions of the flanges l2. Not only is a weld provided between the lower edges of the flanges I2 outside of the ribs 5, but the upper edges of the ribs 5 are desirably welded to the inner surfaces of the flanges !2 in a manner clearly illustrated in Figure 3.

The upper edge portions of the webs i are formed angular like the extensions II], as clearly illustrated in Figure 3, and a weld I4 is formed between the lower edges of the flanges l2 and the preferably diagonal portions I5 adjacent the junctions between the upper inwardly offset portions N3 of the webs I and the main portions thereof. Likewise a weld I1 is formed between the upper edges of the portions N5 of the webs l and the inner surfaces of the flanges l2, thereby provid ing a secure connection between the compression member 2 and the journal box I.

The lower portions of the gusset webs I desirably diverge slightly downward, as shown most clearly in Figure 4, and terminate in outstanding flange portions it, the outer edges of which are joined to the side walls 8 of the box by triangular gusset portions l9. The tension member 3 is desirably formed to fit between said web portions, and the angle between the depending flanges 20 of said tension member is preferably initially slightly greater than that between the lower portions of the webs I, so that regardless of casting or pressing variations the channelled tension member can be entered between the gusset webs I and the flanges sprung to suit, thereby providing tight contact along the lines of weld.

As most clearly illustrated in Figure 3, the lower edge portions of the tension member flanges desirably have outstanding flange or rib portions 2-! which may gradually decrease to correspond with the increase in depth of the tension member flanges 20 toward the central or horizontal portion thereof, so as to finally merge into the depending flanges 21), thereby making it possible to press the tension member from a sheet of metal of uniform width.

In connecting the tension member to the journal box the flange portions 29 and 2! are desirably coped at an angle, as indicated at 22, and the web 23, apertured as indicated at 23', bent down against the journal box roof 6, with the upstanding lug 6 thereon received in said aperture 23, and extended to the outer edge of said roof, where it is bent downwardly into embracing relation therewith, as indicated at 24.

The shape of the lug or pad 6' which interlocks with the tension member web 23, as by snugly fitting in a correspondingly shaped aperture therein, is preferably such that it subtracts effective width and corresponding area from the tension member extension only in such proportion as the member can stand it. The shape of the lug in plan is, therefore, preferably tapering or triangular, with the apex pointing toward the central portion of the frame, as it will be clear that the extension of the tension member web 23 is carrying its maximum load where it is bent over the inner edge of the journal box roof, and gradually carries less load as it approaches the outer end. More material can, therefore, be taken out as the outer end is approached without increasing the fiber stress. It will, however, be understood that I do not have to use a lug of the shape illustrated, as some of the advantages of my invention may be secured when employing a lug of any shape or no lug at all.

When out to a width corresponding to the spacing between the ribs 5 and fitted in the position shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 3, the edges of the extended web portion 23 are welded to the ribs 5, as indicated at 25, and the outer edges of the web 23, between the flanges 2! at the complete section of the tension member, are welded to the inner surfaces of the webs 'l, as indicated at 2B. The outstanding flanges 2| of the tension member have their edge portions welded beneath the outstanding portions !8 of the gusset webs l, as indicated at El, thereby providing for the secure connection of the tension member to the journal box.

Although the journal box i may have its dustguard. well portion cast integrally therewith, yet in order to permit machining the back end of the box so that a high grade and. effective dustguard can be employed therewith, the rear wall 28 of the dust guard well 29 is, in the present embodiment, shown as formed by pressing a plate of steel to provide forwardly extending flanges or flange portions 3i] at the sides merging into a forwardly extending curved flange portion 3| at the bottom, said flanges or continuous flange, when in place, embracing the rear portion of the box i on which the machined or finished surface 32 is provided. Before securing the forward portions of the flanges 3B and 3| to the box by a weld, desirably continuous from the top of the box on one side, across the bottom, and to the top of the other side, indicated at 33, the web portion 34 of the plate 28, which is, of course, apertured as indicated at 35 to receive an associated journal (not shown), is positioned accurately parallel to the machined face 32, as by means of a gauge, so that a smooth and parallel surface is provided opposite to the finished surface 32 at the rear of the journal box.

Not only is the surface desirably machined so as to provide a tight fit with respect to an associated dustguard (not shown), but the front face defining the access opening 36 to the box i is desirably likewise machined, as indicated at 37, thereby providing for a tight joint between it and an associated lid (not shown). By providing such tight joints at the front and back of the box, water and dirt are effectively excluded, thereby preventing contamination of the boxcontained lubricant and preserving the efficiency of the bearing.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 6 to 9, inclusive,

there is shown a cast steel journal box I secured to the tension member 2 of an associated pressed steel side frame i by means of weldingv Although only the journal box adjacent portions of the tension member 2 and the compression member 3 are illustrated, it will be understood that said frame, as usual, comprises bolster guide columns which space normally horizontal parts of said compression and tension members, leaving a window or bolster opening therebetween. In

the present embodiment, the end portions of the pair of ribs 5 which extend across the roof 6 and converge slightly toward their outer ends, as shown most clearly in Figure 9, if the connected portion of the associated frame 4 is so constructed, with their inner ends tapering and curving downwardly along the side edges of the inclined shelf or bracket portion 1 which extends from the inner side wall 8 of the journal box I and. is braced with respect to said side wall by generally triangular web or gusset portions l9 The web or rib portions |9 are desirably spaced so as not to interfere with the lightener cavity back of the inside guide lugs 9 The inner surfaces 39 of the ribs 5* desirably have a curvature the radius of which corresponds with that of the outer surface of the tension member 2 the distance between said ribs corresponding with the width of the connected end portions of said tension member 2 and compression member 3 so that said portions snugly fit between said ribs and are adapted to be welded thereto, as indicated at 4B and shown most clearly in Figure 8. The end of the tension member web 23 is desirably welded to the upper outer corner portion of the box, as. indicated at The height of. the roof ribs desirably also corresponds with the corner radius tangent on the side of the tension member. The top thickness of the ribs is intentionally reduced, as illustrated in Figure 8, with generally square corners to provide the desired welding area.

The tension member 2 of the frame 4 is, in

the present embodiment, formed not only U- shape in section, that is with a lower web 23* which, together with the flanges 29 is bent over the inner edge and extends across the roof of said box l but the whole tension member is reinforced by a diagonally disposed intermediate web 4|, which braces the angle between the horizontal intermediate portion of the tension member (not shown) and the diagonal end portions between the guide columns and the journal boxes, by extending diagonally upward and outward from the lower part of intermediate portions of said tension member horizontal portion, to the upper inner corners of the journal boxes, where it is bent downwardly'to overlie the web 23 of the tensionmember. The side edges of said Web or plate 4| are welded to the inner walls of the tension member 2, as indicated at 42, said side edges being desirably beveled for part of their length, as illustrated in Figure 8, to clear the curved junctions between the tension member web 23 and flanges 20*, where said plate lies flat on or adjacent said web 23 If desired, the journal box may be provided with a lug upstanding from the roof thereof, as indicated at 6 in Figures 2 to 5, inclusive, to provide an interlock between the journal box I, the reinforcing web 4| and/or the web 23 of the tension member. If the plate 4| is slotted above an imperforate portion of the Web 23 a weld, as indicated at 42*, is desirably provided between said webs 4| and 23 The compression member 3 in the present embodiment, has the lower edges of its flanges l2 which depend from its upper web 13*, welded to the upstanding flanges 2|! of the tension member 2 rather than directly connected to the top of the journal box, as in the preceding embodiment. In order to provide the desired welding space between the abutting edges of the tension and compression members, said edges are desirably chamfered or beveled, .as indicated at .43 and 44, respectively, thereby allowing the welding material to get in between the adjacent edges of the abutting flanges. A similar construction may be used at all butt welds.

The Web Ill of the compression member 3 is desirably extended beyond the flanges IZ bent downwardly at its ends, as indicated at 45, and welded to the ends of the tension member web 23 and the reinforcing plate 4| thereabove, between the flanges l2 and 20 and above said web 23.

It will be understood that although cast steel is specified as the preferred journal box material, yet I do not wish to be restricted thereto if other satisfactory cast material is devised for the purpose. I also contemplate the use of a composite box, in which the upper part is of cast steel, or other cast material suitable for welding to pressed steel, and the lower part is formed of pressed steel, as the only part that is essentially cast is that which carries the gusset means to which the side frame elements are secured. The term cast steel journal box used in the claims means one the upper or gusset carrying part, at least,

of which is formed of cast steel or other suitable I also contemplate making the dustguard well bottom-opening as Well as top-opening, by forming the rear wall 28 of the well, and the corresponding portion of the box rectangular in rear elevation instead of having a semi-circular bottom, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive. In such a case the sides would have forwardly extending flanges 30, unconnected by a bottom flange or flange portion, and the top a corresponding forwardly extending connecting flange, welded to the box as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. In other words, the dustguard well has flanges or flange portions on three of its sides, one side being left without a flange to provide a dust well opening which may be at either the top or bottom as desired.

Although preferred embodiments of my invention are illustrated, it will be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a side frame having pressed steel tension and compressionmembers, each comprising an upper web with flanges depending therefrom, a cast steel journal box having ribs upstanding from the roof, flaring upwardly and laterally and merging with webs extending from the frame-adjacent side of said box to form gussets for connection with end portions of said tension and compression members, said compression member flanges straddling inwardly offset upper portions of said gussets, and with their lower edge portions welded to the box roof and. portions of the gussets immediately below said offset portions, the upper edges of said offset portions being welded to the inner surfaces of said flanges, and said tension member with its flanges sprung into tight fitting engagement between the lower portions of said gussets, with the web welded thereto and extending beyond said flanges between said ribs and secured to said roof by welding, the lower portions of said flanges being bent outwardly beneath outstanding flange portions of said gussets and welded thereto.

2. In combination with a side frame having pressed steel tension and compression members, each comprising an upper web with flanges depending therefrom, a cast steel journal box having ribs upstanding from the roof, flaring upwardly and laterally and merging with webs extending from the frame-adjacent side of said box to form gussets for connection with end portions of said tension and compression members, said compression member flanges straddling the upper edge portions of said gussets, and with their lower edge portions welded thereto, and said tension member fitting between the lower portions of said gussets with the web and lower edge portions of its flanges welded thereto, and its web extending beyond said flanges between said ribs and secured to said roof by welding.

3. In combination with a side frame having a pressed steel compression member, comprising an upper web and flanges depending therefrom, a cast steel journal box having ribs upstanding from the roof, flaring upwardly and laterally and merging with webs extending from the frame-adjacent side of said box to form gusset means for connection with an end portion of said member, the upper portions of said gusset means being inweirdly offset, and said compression member flanges straddling said offset portions and with their lower edge portions welded to the box roof and portions of the gusset means immediately below said offset portions, the upper edges of said offset portions being secured to the inner faces of said flanges by welding.

i. In combination with a side frame having a pressed steel compression member, comprising an upper web and flanges depending therefrom, cast steel journal box having ribs upstanding from the roof, flaring upwardly and laterally and merging with webs extending from the frameadjacent sides of said box to form gussets for connection with said member, the flanges of said compression member straddling the upper edge portions of said gussets and having their lower edge portions welded thereto.

5. In combination with a side frame having a pressed steel tension member, a cast steel journal having ribs upstanding from the roof, flaring upwardly and laterally and merging with webs extending from the frame-adjacent side of said box to form gussets for connection with end portions of said member, a lug upstanding from the roof of said box and disposed between said ribs, said tension member having its flanges sprung into tight fitting engagement between the lower portions of said gussets, with the web welded thereto, extending beyond the flanges between said ribs, aperturecl to receive said lug, and secured to said roof by welding, the lower portions of said flanges being bent outwardly beneath outstanding flange portions of said gussets and welded thereto.

6. In combination with a side frame having a pressed steel tension member, comprising an upper web with flanges depending therefrom, a cast steel journal box having ribs upstanding from the roof, flaring upwardly and laterally and merging with webs extending from the frame-adjacent side of said box to form gussets for connection with end portions of said member, and said tension member fitting between the lower portions of said gussets with the web and lower edge portions of its flanges welded thereto and its web extending beyond said flanges between. said ribs and secured to said roof by welding.

7. A cast steel journal box having ribs extend ing from the roof, flaring upwardly and laterally and merging with webs extending from one side of said box to form gussets for connection with end portions of associated side frame members, the upper edge portions of said gussets being inwardly offset to provide receptacles for edge portions of one of said frame members, and lower portions of said gussets merging with diagonally disposed flanges serving as reinforcements between said gussets and the corresponding side wall of said box.

8. A cast steel journal box having gusset means upstanding from the roof, said gusset means being inclined upwardly and laterally and joining with gusset means extending from a side wall of said box, said gusset means being adapted respectively for connection with adjacent separate end portions of side frame members, portions of said gusset means being braced with respect to said box side wall by tapering Webs extending at an angle to both.

9. In combination with a side frame having side of said roof and braced with respect to the side wall therebeneath by a pair of triangular gussets, said ribs being extended laterally, tapered along said web, and finally merging therewith, said tension member having its end portion bent so that it fits over said inclined web and extends along the roof of said box between said ribs, said reinforcing plate being bent over the tension member web at the point where it is bent over the frame-adjacent-edge of the journal box roof between the flanges thereof, said compression member having the lower edge portions of said flanges, adjacent the end over said journal box, out to correspond with the upper edges of the tension member flanges and welded thereto, said compression member web being continued beyond the flanges between the tension member flanges and welded thereto, and to the end portion of said tension member web.

10. In combination with a side frame having a pressed steel tension member, comprising a lower web with flanges extending upwardly therefrom, a cast steel journal box having ribs upstanding from the roof and a shelf portion sloping laterally and downwardly from said roof adjacent the junction with the frame-adjacentside of said box, said ribs extending laterally and downwardly along and merging into said web portion, generally triangular gussets extending between the lower surface of said inclined web portion and the corresponding side wall of said box, said tension member having its lower web shaped to conform with said box roof between said ribs and said inclined shelf portion extending therefrom and welded to both, the upper edges of said ribs being welded to the outer surfaces of said tension member flanges.

11. A cast steel journal box having ribs upstanding from the roof and a web sloping laterally and downwardly from the portion of said roof near the frame-adjacent-side wall of said box, said ribs tapering along and merging into said web, and generally triangular webs bracing the connection between said inclined web portion and corresponding side wall of said box.

12. In a truck side frame, a top arch bar of trough section disposed with its flanges extending downwardly, a bottom arch bar of trough section having inclined intermediate portions and horizontal end portions disposed with its flanges extending upwardly and the edges of the flanges of its end portions butt welded to the edges of the flanges of the end portions of the top arch bar, a cast journal box comprising an integral casting having spaced ribs on its top surface converging toward the outer edges of the journal box roof and welded to each horizontal end portion of the bottom arch bar, and a laterally projecting bracket arm formed integral with the top wall and extending downwardly from each journal box welded to the underside of the inclined portions of the bottom arch bar.

13. In combination with a side frame having a pressed steel tension member comprising a web with flanges extending therefrom, a cast steel journal box having transversely spaced ribs upstanding from a roof of said journal box and extending longitudinally of said side frame from said roof, said ribs merging with transversely disposed sloping means extending downwardly from adjacent said roof and from the frame-adjacent side of said journal box to form gussets for connection with an end portion of said tension member, transversely spaced triangular-shaped portions outstanding from said frame-adjacent side of said journal box and underlying and merging with said sloping means, and said tension member fitting between said ribs with said tension member web and lower edge portions of said tension member flanges Welded to said gussets; a portion of said tension member extending beyond said ribs and secured to said journal box by weld- DONALD S. BARROWS. 

